May 1st: 6:30 PM Prior to Town Meeting_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

• Chairman’s Announcements (00:26) Mr. Morse stated that this meeting will be limited to one hour as the Finance Committee is meeting at 7:00 PM tonight..

• Citizen’s Forum (00:42) No citizens came forward.1. Review and Vote on Recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget (00:44) In the packet is the draft FY18 Budget and the Annual and Special Town Meeting Warrants. Ms. Lovett joined the meeting. She reviewed the changes that were discussed at the last meeting. State Aid will be increasing by approximately $13,000. Mr. Purcell does not feel there will be any substantive changes in Local Aid. Mr. Morse proposed removing $100,000 from the Library and not putting an additional $100,000 in Free Cash in the Operating Budget. Mr. Davis disagreed. Mr. Davis suggested keeping the budget as proposed and consider Mr. Morse’s option next year while looking into other options. Mr. Hughes was supportive of Mr. Davis’ opinion. Mr. Bonin would like to give more money to the schools. A discussion was held. Ms. Holmes stated that in 2007, $600,000 in Free Cash was used. It was known last November when the decision was made to increase fire personnel that there would be a large impact to the budget. In the past, Douglas has supported a balanced town, and she spoke in favor of continuing to support all departments. She stated that Free Cash is not a savings account and should be used to fund the Town. Ms. Shurick asked what would happen to the building if the library is closed. Mr. Cortese stated that it would revert back to the family that donated it. Mr. Hogan asked the BOS to consider that the Blackstone Valley Tech (BVT) assessment increased by just under $200,000. He expects a similar increase next year. Mr. Bonin stated that only one of the six class officers in the current eighth grade is staying in Douglas for high school next year. Mr. Davis feels that having an uncertified library would increase the outflow of students from Douglas’ schools. Ms. Chesebrough stated that in 1994 there was a library crisis and the budget was cut. In June of 1994 there was a ballot vote in support of the library. She suggested something like that be done again. Ms. Holmes stated that the vote was an override. A woman in the audience asked if there was a system in place to divert donations to the library. Mr. Hughes stated that donations do not count towards the municipal investment needed to certify the library. The woman suggested that the library budget be kept as is, and the Town could work to raise $100,000 elsewhere. Shirley Mosczynski, 60 Oak Street stressed that if the library is lost, it would be very difficult to get it back. She stressed support for the library. Mr. Hughes proposed that the library funding remain as is and next year discuss reducing their budget.Mr. Hughes made a motion to maintain the FY18 budget as presented. Mr. Davis seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Tim Bonin – Nay, Dave Cortese – Aye, Hal Davis – Aye, Mike Hughes – Aye, Kevin Morse – Nay. Motion passed.2. Old/New Business (47:49) Old Business: There was no old business.New Business: There was no new business.3. Adjournment (47:57) Mr. Hughes made a motion at 6:46 PM to adjourn. Mr. Cortese seconded the motion. All-Aye.